Rose

What Does It Smell Like?

Rose smells like romance bottled. Imagine walking through a garden after rain—that's the green, slightly damp quality. Then there's the sweetness: honeyed, sometimes with a whisper of spice and subtle fruit notes. Depending on the variety, you might detect hints of honey, jam, or even a peppery warmth. It's never cloying if it's genuine; there's an elegant complexity, a velvety depth that makes you want to inhale again.

Origin & History

Rose comes primarily from two regions: Grasse in southern France and the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria, where damask roses have been cultivated for centuries. Natural rose absolute is extracted through solvent extraction (leaving behind a thick, honeyed concentrate), whilst rose oil comes via steam distillation. The Bulgarian rose, Rosa damascena, is particularly prized for its complexity. Synthetic rose molecules like geraniol and damascenone were created in laboratories, allowing perfumers to craft rosy fragrances affordably and consistently.

In Perfumery

Rose is the classical floral lead or heart note, lending sophistication and femininity to compositions. Perfumers deploy it as an anchor—grounding fragrances with timeless elegance. It bridges between light citruses and deep musks beautifully. Whether as a whisper or the main event, rose elevates and romanticises any fragrance it touches.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 991 Fragrances